Are these mineral tubs a new thing?

[homebirtha]

I hadn't really seen anything about these tubs of minerals before. But in the last few months I've seen them mentioned all over the place. Our new (and closer!) feed store has them and mentioned them to me. It seems like they would be easy to use. Are they pretty much the same as a mineral block? Better or worse? We use loose minerals that we've had good luck with, but these tubs are less expensive and seem easier to deal with. Anyone using them?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/detail....roductID=25834

[Lizi]

Seems like a goat would have to stand there all day licking on it to get the benefit of loose minerals.

[suzyhomemaker09]

it says in the product description that it is safe for sheep... if this s the case it is too low in copper to be complete for goats. They do make tubs for goats that have the correct minerals but it has been my experience that they are so full of molasses that the goats woudl go through it like kids with candy.